IMPACT OF SO_2 EMISSION LIMITS ON PETROLEUM REFINERY OPERATIONS I: A LINEAR PROGRAMMING MODEL

摘要

This is the first part of the three-part article. This article discusses the development of a general-purpose linear programming model to evaluate the impact of imposed maximum SO_2 emission limits on the operation and the profitability of a petroleum refinery satisfying all relevant constraints due to the refinery configuration and operational limitations. The proposed model has been applied to an existing petroleum refinery in India. The model generates the tradeoff curve for profit as a function of maximum SO_2 emission limits, which helps in identifying opportunities for source reduction of SO_2. The case study clearly demonstrates that the model can be used for any refinery as a tool to schedule the optimal monthly operation satisfying the SO_2 emission standard.